Dina Vechnyak DRC’26 will graduate this May with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Rutgers School of Engineering. At Rutgers, she was a
member of the Reilly Douglass Engineering Living-Learning Community and rowed for the Rutgers Women’s Rowing team for three years.
My four-year journey at Douglass, and the combination of the Rutgers School of Engineering curriculum and the Douglass co-curricular experience, shaped me into a confident, future-focused engineer.
Dina was sponsored by Douglass to attend the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) National Conference, where she secured her dream job. For her senior design capstone, Dina is part of a team developing a thermoformable wheelchair cushion designed to help caregivers of nonverbal users better monitor comfort and prevent pressure sores.
After graduation, she’ll start her next chapter at Medtronic as an Associate Mapping Specialist.
Rhea Sharma DRC’26
Today’s spotlight features Rhea Sharma DRC’26! Rhea is a Computer Science major, co-chair of the Douglass Traditional Events Committee, and part of
the Douglass Student Recruitment Network. President of the Rutgers Cybersecurity Club and the founder of the Women in Cybersecurity chapter, Rhea is passionate about expanding representation in the cybersecurity field. Following graduation, Rhea will be continuing to apply her passion for security as a Cybersecurity Engineer at American Express.
As a Rutgers student, I've learned so much about the Computer Science space and different subjects within the field,” Rhea said. “I've been able to make close connections with my professors and get involved in a multitude of clubs. As a Douglass Student, I've been able to put the feminist lens on my education, providing me with a new light of how to approach a field that is heavily dominated by men. I've been able to connect and create friendships with fellow Douglass students that will follow me in my journey ahead.
As Co-Chair of the Douglass Traditional Events Committee, Rhea was instrumental in planning this year’s Yule Log and Sacred Path ceremonies.
“My favorite Douglass memory has to be Sacred Path! I was able to celebrate the moving up of classes, enjoy the end of the academic year, and wish for something new for the next year. It was a meaningful experience that allowed me to feel connected to the community around me and reflect back on my years at Rutgers.”
Rida Kadri DRC’26
Rida Kadri DRC’26 will give the senior toast at the Douglass Senior Brunch. She is a Douglass student, Eagleton Undergraduate Associate, and President of Rutgers' chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. Rida will continue her education next year at Columbia University, pursuing a master’s degree in political science.
Graduating as a Douglass and Rutgers student has added so much color to my undergraduate education, from always having a strong support system, to providing me with unique opportunities enriching my learning, and driving my passions in a thoughtful way. I am so proud to graduate from such an empowering institution that has given me the chance to study what I love and complete transformational internships, all while building the most uplifting community along the way.
With a passion for public policy, one of Rida’s favorite memories is a Douglass trip to Washington, D.C., for a Public Leadership Education Network Public Policy Seminar.
“My favorite Douglass memory was when I went down to Washington D.C. for a PLEN Public Policy Seminar, even though we got snowed in! I met amazing Douglass alums, made new friends, and found myself back in D.C. for a ‘Hillternship’ the following summer! Honorable mentions to all the hot dog days, Sacred Path ceremonies, Eagleton, and Knowledge and Power classes that I will forever cherish memories from.”
Oluwanifemi Kayode-Alese DRC’26
Oluwanifemi is a computer science and data science double major with a minor in statistics. As Co-chair of both the Red Pine Ambassadors and the Douglass Traditional Events Committee, Oluwanifemi has been active in our community throughout her years at Douglass and Rutgers.
I like to say that Rutgers chose me,” she said. “I don’t remember how and when I applied to Rutgers, but I do remember getting the acceptance, and from then on, it’s history. I am proud to be able to graduate from this school that chose me. There were times I was terrified and scared, times when I was unsure of the possibility that I would graduate, but I am proud of how I persevered enough to be a Rutgers graduate. I also don’t think I would have been able to persevere and be as resilient if not for Douglass’ help, and this is one of the reasons why I am proud to be a Douglass graduate.
Her favorite memory? She has many to choose from.
“I have so many precious memories,” she said. “My Knowledge & Power class experience is a very dear memory to me. I also reminisce about my time on the 4th floor of Allen Hall as a Computer Science Living-Learning Community (CSLLC) member from time to time. The CSLLC trip to the 2023 Women in Data Science conference in California is one of my favorite memories.”
Kenya Baptiste DRC’26
Kenya Baptiste DRC’26 is an exercise science major with a minor in public health. After she graduates, she plans to
continue her passion for healthcare as a physical therapist!
My advice to first-year students or any student starting off at Rutgers and Douglass is to stay open and be persistent about discovering everything this campus has to offer,” she said. “It is so easy to get overwhelmed by your classes, but try not to let academics make you overlook the life-changing opportunities and people here that are ready to support you. You are constantly evolving, put yourself out there to discover your interests and unlock the potential that is within you! You never know what kind of blessings can come from it. Get out of your comfort zone now, and your future self will definitely thank you for it!
During her time at Douglass, she has been a leader across various areas of our community, with a truly impressive Douglass resume. She has been in the STEM Professional Development course with Bristol Myers Squibb, a Red Pine Ambassador, part of the Global Village Sustainability and the Environment House, and a BOLD Center extern with the School of Health Professions.
“My favorite Douglass memory was going on the trip to Bristol Myers Squibb’s facility through Douglass Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE)! It was an amazing opportunity to interact with other Douglass students who are passionate about healthcare and meet experienced professionals in the pharmaceutical industry,” she said.
Meredith Simms DRC’26
A triple major is sociology, cultural anthropology, and women’s and gender studies, Meredith Simms DRC’26 is passionate about spreading the history of Douglass.
She has participated in the Global Village, been a Barbara Voorhees Mentor, and a Meredith Red Pine Ambassador tour guide. In her tours, she prioritizes a historical perspective, sharing the origins of buildings and stories from previous classes to connect new students with the larger, long-lasting community. Similarly, for her Leadership Certificate with the Institute for Women’s Leadership, Meredith is working to create a historical sign on Douglass Campus to share the college's founding history and its enduring commitment to women's empowerment.
“My favorite memory from Douglass is attending the Broadway show Suffs!” she said. “I was scared to attend alone, but it turned out every other woman who signed up also came alone. We quickly became friends and then had a great time in New York City! It really was a testament to the amazing experiences I get with Douglass and how, as Douglass students, we’re all instant friends because our community binds us.”
Within Rutgers, she founded and serves as president of the Sociology Club and is vice president of the Anthropology Club.
My best advice to an incoming student is to consistently show up to clubs, events, and spaces because that’s how you make friends and a community,” she said. “It’ll be really nerve-racking at first, but over time it gets easier as you become a familiar face and make friends! I started going to the Anthropology Club alone and then made my closest friends there and am now its vice president!
Maanasa Muppala DRC’26
Maanasa Muppala DRC’26 is an accounting and finance major with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Her connection to Spring Convocation is special. Putting her organization and planning skills to work, Maanasa has been instrumental in helping staff plan and execute the 105th Spring Convocation ceremony for herself and her peers. Her advice for incoming Douglass students embodies her drive and reflects her passion for this community.
Make the most of the various opportunities that Douglass provides,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone! You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of!
Maanasa served as vice president of the American Cancer Society at Rutgers for 3 years and was treasurer of the Douglass Student Recruitment Network for 2 years. After Graduation, she will pursue her CPA license and work as a financial research associate
"I am proud to graduate from Douglass and Rutgers because of the amazing opportunities I’ve had and the privilege of being part of such a supportive and remarkable community!”
Bhargavi Gopinath DRC’26
Barghavi Gopinath is a senior at Rutgers University, double-majoring in Computer Science and Data Science. At Douglass, she has served as Co-Chairwoman of the Douglass Student Recruitment Network and was a part of the Douglass Governing Council.
I am proud to graduate as both a Douglass and Rutgers student because each community provided me with experiences that shaped me in essential ways. Douglass gave me direction, confidence, and community. I entered college unsure of my path, with no background in Computer Science,” she said. “Through Douglass programs like the Computer Science Living-Learning Community, mentorship, conferences, externships, and networking sessions, I found my interest in technology and education. Douglass pushed me to grow beyond academics. It taught me how to speak with confidence, advocate for others, and take on leadership roles that directly impact people.
Her favorite college memories are a collection of empowering experiences she had in the Computer Science Living-Learning Community.
“I will always have a special place in my heart for the Computer Science Living Learning Community. I do not know that I can choose a particular moment, but the people I have met and memories I have made with them were only possible because of Douglass bringing us together. This community gave me a space to meet individuals with similar interests and passions, but also similar fears. Navigating a male-dominated space is never easy, and doing it alone feels much more daunting. Having a group of individuals, who I am now overjoyed to call my friends, to explore the field of CS with was one of the biggest reasons I was able to recognize that I belong.”
After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in technology while continuing to advocate for inclusive and supportive spaces for underrepresented communities in STEM.
Alva Lai DRC’26
Alva Lai DRC’26 is an Exercise Science with a minor in business administration. She has been a Douglass Barbara Voorhees Mentor, a member of the Sciences Living-Learning Community, and President of the Rutgers Tzu Chi Collegiate Association.
Graduating as both a Douglass and Rutgers student fills me with a deep sense of pride because I know my undergraduate journey would not have been the same without Douglass,” she said. “It has added so much depth and meaning to my undergraduate experience, offering invaluable opportunities while surrounding me with a community that continuously encouraged me to grow and flourish. I developed resilience and confidence, along with the perseverance to navigate challenges with purpose. I am beyond grateful to all the staff, alums and friends that helped shape this path and I'm so proud to call myself a Douglass graduate.
Her favorite memories include the connections she made locally, abroad, and through her work as a Douglass Barbara Voorhees Mentor.
“My favorite memory is when I went to the UN for International Women and Girls in Science Day and met Princess Nisreen El-Hashemite! I had such a fun day touring the UN and then sitting in on discussions about promoting sustainable and equitable development. I also reminisce about my study abroad semester at The University of Hong Kong - shoutout to my study abroad friends for enriching this cherished experience! An honorable mention to my Mentoring and Leadership class and my Knowledge and Power class for the memories and lessons that will stay with me.”
Valeria Monsalve DRC'26
Valeria Monsalve DRC’26, an honors college student majoring in public policy, is the 2025-2026 president of the Douglass Governing Council (DGC), a journey that started in her first year at Douglass and Rutgers.
“As a nervous freshman who had just joined Douglass, I built the courage to walk into the Kathleen Ludwig, Albers-Schonberg room for a Douglass Governing Council meeting. And when I arrived, I immediately felt at home and felt supported,” Valeria said. “I joined as Class of 2026 Representative, then moved to Secretary, then to External Vice-President, and now to President. As I look back, I feel proud of the work I've done and the community Douglass has built and continues to build.”
In addition to her work with DGC, Valeria has been active in Douglass programs.
“My favorite Douglass memory definitely has to be when I got accepted for the Reilly BOLD externship program and was placed at Haug Partners LLC,” she said. “As a First-Generation college student who wants to go into the legal field but has no family already in it, entering this space seems very daunting. But when I got selected, I felt like all my hard work had finally paid off, and I was able to put my foot in the door as a freshman going into my sophomore year.”
She encourages the graduating class to believe in themselves as they step out into the world.
One piece of advice I have for the graduating class is to trust your journeys. We are all human beings experiencing life for the first time. That means everyone's journey will look completely different, and you should never compare yourself to others. Everyone is coming from completely different backgrounds with completely different starting points, so remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Your journey is your own, and you should be proud of where you have come from and what you will do. I truly can't wait to see what the Douglass Class of 2026 will do.
